Toyota has revealed a striking new LandCruiser Prado, introducing a bold new look for the popular SUV.
While the Prado has only been around since 1996, the LandCruiser has been a staple of the Japanese brand’s line-up for decades so the company has tried to give this new model a retro look and feel. It features the boxy, angular look that is becoming increasingly popular for these kinds of SUVs, as seen with the Land Rover Defender and new Hyundai Santa Fe.
“Australian customers appreciate the vast capability of the LandCruiser Prado, from use as a family vehicle, to off-roading, towing and long-distance touring, which is evidenced by its huge popularity,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing.
“The all-new Prado takes everything that customers love about the Prado to a new level, with even greater performance, capability and technology, as well as bold new styling inside and out.”
Toyota Australia has confirmed initial details for the new model, including an on-sale date of “mid-2024” but pricing will have to wait until closer to that date. Here’s everything else you need to know about the new Prado.
Is it all-new?
These days a lot of ‘all-new’ models tend to be facelifts of the previous version as car makers divert development dollars to electric vehicles. But that’s not the case for the new Prado, which isn’t surprising given its importance to the brand as one of its best-sellers.
The Prado shares new underpinnings, the so-called TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis, with the latest 300 Series LandCruiser. This is part of the brand’s ‘Toyota New Global Architecture’ initiative that has been rolling out for several years, focusing on improving both efficiencies of products but also driving dynamics.
Has it gone soft with the new look?
Not at all. Even though it’s a far more stylish proposition Toyota has ensured this new Prado is still a rugged and very capable off-roader. To that end the multi-terrain select system has been improved and a new stabilizer-bar control system has been developed for greater wheel articulation.
The TNGA-F chassis is Toyota’s most capable platform too, sharing a lot in common with the Tundra pickup as well as the 300 Series.
What’s under the bonnet?
Toyota Australia has confirmed that local models will be powered by the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 48-volt electrical system that recently debuted on the HiLux. While Toyota doesn’t call it a ‘hybrid’ they do say it helps improve fuel economy.
Performance is rated at 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, and the engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system.
While it’s a proven powertrain, Australians will miss out on the 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid system from the Tundra i-Force Max that’s available in the US market.
How big is it?
The new Prado has grown in size, measuring 4920mm long, 1988mm wide and 1860mm tall, which means it’s 95mm longer and wider while also being 10mm taller than the out-going model. The wheelbase has been extended 60mm (to 2850mm) which makes it the same size as the LandCruiser 300 Series.
That should provide extra room inside, which will be good for families. As is the fact the new Prado will be available with five- or seven-seat layouts.
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